SK SureGrip sockets

[mrjaw14]

I'm considering buying a set of used SK 12pt deep sockets. The owner doesn't know if they're suregrip or not, but that they were purchased new about 3-4 years ago.

I know SK has had some issues in years past and was bought out several times. This would be my first SK purchase, can anyone tell me if that vintage of socket would be SureGrip?

 

[Chuck122]

I think the non-sure grip will have pointed corners instead of radiused.

 

[Stooge]

i think all current sk sockets are marketed as Suregrip design. not sure if there is really a difference, i believe it is basically like snap on's flank drive, where most of the standard sockets are labeled as them, possibly for marketing purposes. ive always had some SK pieces and have always had good luck with them and have liked using them. all made in the US which is good to hear after their financial issues a few yrs ago and i believe the quality, atleast currently is right up there with snap on as far as their chrome sockets go but are substantially cheaper. i'd say go for it unless you can find it cheaper on tooltopia, who so far have the lowest prices for SK stuff ive seen

 

[mrjaw14]

I can't find any info on when sk started producing suregrip. Earliest reference I can find is from 2003, and I think that SK isn't making non-suregrip since they introduced suregrip.

Anyone have any experience with sk deeps? I don't like that they have the shallow recess, but it seems most sockets do except for craftsman Armstrong and Matco.

 

[montanafordman]

I would look and see if the corners are radiused but from what you describe I"m pretty certain they're suregrip. I just bought an older NOS set on ebay and wasn't sure about this either. The packing said copywright 1990 on it and it appears to have suregrip sockets. I also have all SK sockets in my deep 1/4 and 3/8 sizes and I'm happy with them.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm considering buying a set of used SK 12pt deep sockets.

I should caution you about the SK deep sockets. The hex portion inside is real short compared to other brands of deep sockets. So as you're loosening a nut off a bolt or a stud, the whole socket will back out with the nut instead of letting the nut back out inside the socket. This could cause clearance issues if you have something in the way above the socket.

 

[SMKS]

I should caution you about the SK deep sockets. The hex portion inside is real short compared to other brands of deep sockets.

Quite a few brands of sockets are this way, not just SK. Some people consider it a benefit.

Check out this thread. You'll see Proto is also the same way:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151204

In fact, I think more brands may be the same way the SK sockets are, and not the way the Armstrong sockets are broached.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I have a TON of S-K stuff and, with very few exceptions, they have been top notch. It is true about the shallow broaching and I have had a clearance issue a few times. I also have some 70 year old S-K ratchets and they are as good or better than 75% of what is produced today.